This primitive wilderness trail is aimed at the outdoors enthusiast who would like to combine a wilderness experience with backpacking and sleeping out under the stars. This trail can accommodate a maximum of eight and must have a minimum of six confirmed bookings in order to take place. The trail is designed to provide a basic living experience, with a minimum of equipment but with adequate water and food. Water is collected from springs or rivers in the wilderness area, and bathing is done in the river wherever possible. A very important part of the trail is spending time alone on watch at the fire at night. In this way one gets to embrace silence and solitude, qualities that are difficult to find in today's world. Trailists are required to leave their watches and cellular phones in their cars in order to experience greater freedom from time constraints and deadlines. The trail is fully catered - all equipment (including first aid kit), bedding and food is provided. (Unfortunately no special diets can be catered for). Trailists are required to assist with food preparation and camp setup.

Please note that there are no ablutions and showers on this trail. After booking in at Mpila Resort by 09:00 on the day of departure, trailists are met by the Wilderness Trails staff who will advise them on how best to pack their backpacks. After a late breakfast and a briefing, trailists set off into the Wilderness area, where they will spend four nights and four full days, accompanied by a Trails Officer and a Field Guide. The trail ends at Mdindini Base Camp at 10:00 on the last day. All four nights are spent out in the bush, camping wherever the Trails Officer finds a suitable spot. Camping follows a very strict 'minimum impact, no trace' ethic, which is in line with wilderness principles. Small camps are set up at night, with trailists sleeping under the stars around a small fire, after enjoying a meal prepared by the Trails Officer, the Field Guide and traillist. A lightweight rain shelter is provided in case of bad weather. Distances covered each day are not excessive due to the need to carry all equipment. Backpacks are sometimes left at a campsite however, and day walks taken to explore the wilderness area in relative freedom. Primitive trails are conducted from mid-February to mid-November. It is essential that you make certain that you know what to expect before you book a primitive trail.

Arrival and Registration

On arrival, check in at Mpila Resort reception to register, after which you will be directed to the trails officer. It is important to arrive by 09:00 on the date indicated on the reservation voucher, to allow time to pack, walk into the Wilderness Area and make camp before dark.

Equipment Provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

• First Aid kit
• Water containers
• Toilet trowel, paper etc.
• Food
• Backpack
• Personal water bottle
• Knife, spoon, cup and plate
• Groundsheet
• Rain shelter (fly sheet)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat (optional)
• Cooking pots etc.
• Large plastic bag (to put contents of backpack in case ofrain)

Recommended Items to Be Provided by Each Trailist

• 2 dull-coloured shirts/blouses
• 3 changes of underwear
• 2 pairs shorts or the equivalent
• 1 pair of trousers or jeans
• 1 tracksuit
• 1 hat
• 1 swimming costume (optional)
• 1 light raincoat
• 1 warm bush jacket or jersey
• Sun protection cream
• Torch with spare batteries
• Insect repellant
• 1 pair of comfortable boots or the equivalent and 1 pair of sandals for use in camp
• Toiletries, including environment friendly/ biodegradable soap
• Binoculars, camera, field guide booklets, notebook etc. (optional)
NB: It is imperative that you wear a comfortable pair of hiking boots, which are well worn in.

Catering

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will supply all equipment and provide all food for meals. You may bring your own equipment as long as it blends into the bush environment. You may bring you own additional snacks and drinks should you feel it necessary.

Alcoholic Drinks

A little alcohol may be brought into the wilderness area, however no excessive drinking will be allowed for reasons of safety, and to avoid detracting from the wilderness ethic, which involves quietly blending in with the environment. A good guideline is to keep within the legal alcohol limit for driving a vehicle. Should trailists insist on excessive drinking, the walks will proceed no further than one kilometre from the base camp or wilderness camp, depending on the trail. Remember that you will have to carry your own alcohol for four days.

A Trails Officer, assisted by a Field Ranger, leads all trails.Both are fully qualified and trained and their experience and knowledge of the bush will enrich the experience, as well as ensure the safety of trailists. All three nights are spent at the comfortably equipped Mndindini Trails Camp where trailists are housed in comfortable 2-bed tents. The camp has a communal ablution facility with hot and cold water as well as flushing toilets. The kitchen has a fridge for cold drinks. Trailists' motor vehicles remain here. After booking in at Mpila Resort, trailists are directed to the Mndindini Trails Camp where they will be greeted by the Trails Officer, Field Guide and the cook. It is recommended that visitors check in at Mpila Resort by 13:00 on the first day so that they can settle in at their leisure, in time to meet the Trails Officer for a briefing at 14:00 at the Mndindini Trails Camp. During the briefing please advise the officer if you would like to go on an afternoon walk or you would like to relax at the camp.

The following two days will be spent walking in the Wilderness Area. Trailists depart after breakfast, carrying only a daypack each, containing their personal effects, water and lunch. The trail party will cover between 7 and 14 km per day depending on conditions. For this reason, a reasonable degree of fitness is required. River crossings are sometimes necessary during the walks. The daily routine varies according to the time of year and Trails Officer’s personal style of trail. On the final day trailists will do a morning walk, returning to Mndindini for a snack after which trailists are free to pack up and leave by 11:00. It is essential that you wear a comfortable pair of hiking boots, which are well worn in. Base Camp Trails are run from mid-February to mid-December and can accommodate a maximum of eight trailists.

Arrival and Registration

Please check-in at Mpila Resort by 13:00 on the first day of the trail. From there trailists may drive around the game reserve (should time allow it) or go directly to Mndindini Trails Base Camp to arrive by 14:00. Here trailists will be welcomed by the Trails Officer, Field Guide and cook, and will be shown to their accommodation. Trailists may not, under any circumstances leave the immediate environs of the base camp on foot, unless accompanied by an officer or guide. Remember that this is a Big Five Park! There are no mosquito nets available.

Equipment Provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

• All food, tea, coffee and fruit juice
• All cutlery and crockery
• All daypacks
• Water bottles
• All bedding
• Towel
• First Aid kit

Recommended Items to Be Provided by Each Trailist

• 3 dull-coloured shirts/blouses
• 3 changes of underwear
• 3 pairs shorts or the equivalent
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 tracksuit
• 1 hat
• 1 pair of pyjamas (optional)
• 1 light raincoat
• 1 swimming costume (optional)
• Sun protection cream
• 1 warm bush jacket or jersey
• Torch with spare batteries
• Insect repellent
• 1 pair of comfortable boots or the equivalent
• 1 pair of sandals or the equivalent (for around the camp)
• Toiletries, including soap (biodegradable)
• Binoculars, camera and bird identification book (optional)

Catering

The trail is fully catered and trailists will be provided with three meals per day, starting with supper on the day of arrival and including breakfast on the of departure, however if the camp is in Mphafa lunch is included on the day of departure. Meals are tasty, simple but nutritious and quantities provided should satisfy most appetites. The menus have been developed with input from previous trailists and we welcome any comments.

If you are a vegetarian or have other special dietary requirements, please notify the Trails Consultant when making a booking. The Trails Manager will try to make appropriate arrangements, where possible. People with any special requirements may of course bring their own food and every assistance will be given to prepare it. Regrettably there can be no reduction in the cost of the trail.

Tea, coffee and a cold drink are also provided. Fruit and nuts are provided as snacks between meals. Trailists are more than welcome to provide their own between-meal snacks and refreshments.

Alcoholic Drinks

A little alcohol may be brought into the wilderness area, however no excessive drinking will be allowed for reasons of safety, and to avoid detracting from the wilderness ethic, which involves quietly blending in with the environment. A good guideline is to keep within the legal alcohol limit for driving a vehicle. Should trailists insist on excessive drinking, the walks will proceed no further than one kilometre from the base camp or wilderness camp, depending on the trail. Remember that you are required to carry your own personal drinks and snacks! In order to maintain the wilderness ethic and character, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife wilderness trail facilities remain as simple as possible.

Day 3: Mzimkhulwana Hut to Winterhoek Hut, Garden Castle Section - 12,2 km: ±4 hours. (5 hours with stops)

From the Mzimkulwana Hut, hike back along the Siphongweni River without crossing it. The trail crosses a hanging bridge over the Mzimkhulwana River, then heads up Bamboo Mountain. After 3.5 km the path passes Crane Tarn, a small mountain lake where you may be lucky enough to see either crested or blue cranes. The two Bamboo Mountains are named after the endemic Berg Bamboo Thamnocalamus tessellatus that grows in the area.

From the ridge on Little Bamboo Mountain, one has a view lovely of Garden Castle (2 356 m) looming over a valley containing a great many homesteads. The Winterhoek Huts are at the foot of the peak under some oak trees. The trail meanders downhill on the other sideof Crane Tarn, leading through protea woodland and down to the Killicranckie Stream, so named by Scottish settlers, about 700 m below.

About 1 km on, there is a fork in the trail, the left fork leading to the Killiranckie Pool about 100 m below. The main pool has a small waterfall next to a huge boulder, and there are smaller pools close by. All are good swimming spots. The right hand fork is a continuation of the Giant’s Cup Trail. Upon reaching a stile you enter private land. The trail leads across a second stile, past some trout dams and a farmhouse, across another stile and the overflow from the trout dams another 100 m further on. Cross the track that leads to the farmhouse and follow the stream downhill, reaching the main tarred road from Underberg to the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel and the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Garden Castle Outpost where the fourth hut -the Swayiman Hut – of the Giant’s Cup Trail is located. Follow the road to the right for 1,7 km.

A short distance after crossing the river there is a “Castleburn Lake” sign and the familiar white footprints indicating that you need to head left over a small hill. On the other side of the hill, the trail leads through two more gates before you cross a stream below a small concrete dam and then reach Winterhoek Hut. Please properly close all gates behind you.

Winterhoek Hut

This hut complex consists of eight rondavels set amongst oak trees. Five of these have three bunk beds in each; one rondavel serves as a kitchen while another serves as the bathroom with cold-water showers. You may swim in the small pond above the dam.

Extended Short Weekend trails are run from about 14 February to about 10 December, and start on Tuesdays. They are 3 nights and 4 days in duration. This trail is fully catered, and all food will be transported into the wilderness trails camp on donkeys, but trailists will be expected to carry a daypack with their personal affects, water and lunch. Personal items will, however, be transported back from the wilderness on the donkeys at the end of the trail.

Guests who overnight at Mpila Resort the night before the trail, may arrange to have the bulk of their personal belongings carried into the wilderness camp in "donkey bags" that are available from the Mpila Resort reception. These are then transported to the wilderness camp by donkeys. These bags must be dropped off at the Mpila Resort office by 16:00 the day before the trail. Please note if you will be staying overnight outside the Park that the gate times are 06:00 to 18:00. Gate times are strictly enforced.

Trailists are required to book in at Mpila Resort by 11:00 as the trail starts at 12:00 on the first day. At Mpila trailists will be met by the trails staff and given a trails briefing. After their bags have been packed, trailists walk approximately seven kilometres to the wilderness camp where they will spend the following three nights in dome tents, with two mattresses per tent. The camp has no ablution facilities, apart from a traditional bucket shower, hung in a tree. A spade, toilet paper and matches serve as a toilet.

Trailists walk back to the Mndindini Base Camp on the fourth day, carrying only their personal affects and snacks. The trail ends at about 10:30. The distance walked on the first day is approximately seven kilometres. The average distance covered on the second and third days can be up to 15 km, but is flexible depending on conditions. Trailists carry all their personal equipment on the first day. On the second and third days they carry only a light pack containing their picnic lunches and water bottles. This trail is by no means an endurance test, but a fair level of fitness will ensure greater enjoyment.

Arrival and Registration

Trailists should check in by 11:00 at Mpila Resort reception where they will be met by the Trails Officer and Field Guide. It is important to arrive early on the date indicated on the reservation voucher, to allow time to pack and walk to the trails camp before dark. Once the trail departs from the Mndindini Base Camp, any latecomers cannot be accommodated. It is thus important to make adequate provision for traveling time between your point of departure and the Mpila Resort office. The driving time between Johannesburg and Mpila Camp is approximately seven hours. Durban to Mpila is approximately four hours.

Equipment Provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

• All food, tea, coffee, cold drinks • Water bottles • All bedding • Towel • All day packs • First Aid kit

Recommended Items to Be Brought by Each Trailist

• 3 dull-coloured shirts/blouses • 3 changes of underwear • 3 pairs shorts or the equivalent • 1 pair of jeans • 1 tracksuit • 1 hat • 1 pair of pyjamas (optional) • 1 light raincoat • 1 swimming costume (optional) • 1 warm bush jacket or jersey • 1 pair of comfortable boots or the equivalent • 1 pair of sandals or the equivalent (for around the camp) • Torch with spare batteries • Sun protection cream • Toiletries, including biodegradable soap, Insect repellent • Binoculars, camera and bird identification book (optional) Bayticol spray (from your pharmacy) is recommended, as ticks can be a problem at certain times of the year. Remember that Zululand winters are cold, with temperatures dropping significantly at night, whilst the summer temperatures can rise significantly by midday.

Catering

The trail is fully catered and trailists will be provided with three meals per day, starting with supper on the day of arrival and concluding with lunch on the day of departure. Meals are tasty, simple but nutritious and quantities provided should satisfy most appetites. The menus have been developed with input from previous trailists, and we welcome any comments from other trailists. If you are a vegetarian or have other special dietary requirements, please notify the Trails Consultant when making you booking and this information will be sent to the Trails Manager who will try to make arrangements where possible. People with any special requirements may of course bring their own food and every assistance will be given to prepare it. Unfortunately, there can be no reduction in the cost of the trail. Fruit and nuts are provided as snacks between meals. Trailists may also bring their own between-meal snacks and refreshments.

Alcoholic Drinks

A little alcohol may be brought into the wilderness area, however no excessive drinking will be allowed for reasons of safety, and to avoid detracting from the wilderness ethic, which involves quietly blending in with the environment. A good guideline is to keep within the legal alcohol limit for driving a vehicle. Should trailists insist on excessive drinking, the walks will proceed no further than one kilometre from the base camp or wilderness camp, depending on the trail. Remember that you are required to carry your own personal drinks and snacks!

In order to maintain the wilderness ethic and character, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife wilderness trail facilities remain as simple as possible.

Please note that with regard to the short and extended short trails, if an entire trail is booked out by one group, and if the trail bookings allow for it, the group may book two consecutive trails, to allow for a custom-made longer trail of either four or five nights, depending on the combination.

This popular trail combines the best elements of trails using the Mdindini Base Camp, and the more adventurous Primitive Trail. The first and last nights are spent in the comfort of Mdindini Camp with hot and cold showers and a fridge, while the second and third nights are spent under the stars out in the famous iMfolozi Wilderness Area. This allows trailists to start the trail refreshed, and to undertake the journey home after a comfortable night's sleep in the Base Camp.

After booking in at Mpila Resort, trailists will be met by the Trails Officer and his Field Guide assistant, and directed to the Mndindini Base Camp where they will be able to settle in and also meet their cook who will prepare their food on the first and final nights. The Trails Officer and the Field Guide will prepare food on the second and third nights, although trailists are welcome to assist. It is recommended that visitors arrive at Mpila Resort reception by 13:00, as they need to be at Mdindindi by 14:00. It is further recommended that everyone leave their watches and cellular phones in their cars in order to benefit fully from the freedom from time constraints and deadlines.

Small camps are set up at night, with trailists sleeping under the stars around a small fire after enjoying a meal prepared by the Trails Officer and the Field Guide. A lightweight rain shelter is provided in case of bad weather. Distances covered each day are not excessive due to the need to carry all equipment. Backpacks are sometimes left at a campsite, however, and day walks taken to explore the wilderness area in relative freedom. As with all iMfolozi Wilderness Trails, a reasonable degree of fitness is recommended in order to derive the greatest enjoyment from your trail. Explorer Trails are conducted from mid-February to the end of November and take a maximum of eight trailists.

Equipment Provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

• First Aid kit
• Water containers
• Toilet trowel, paper etc.
• Food
• Backpack
• Personal Water bottle
• Knife, spoon, cup and plate
• Groundsheet
• Rain shelter (fly sheet)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat (optional)
• Cooking pots etc.
• Large plastic bag (to put contents of backpack into in case of rain)

Recommended Items to Be Provided by Each Trailist

• 2 dull-coloured shirts/blouses
• 3 changes of underwear
• 2 pairs shorts or the equivalent
• 1 pair of trousers or jeans
• 1 tracksuit
• 1 hat
• 1 swimming costume (optional)
• 1 light raincoat
• 1 warm bush jacket or jersey
• Sun protection cream
• Torch with spare batteries
• Insect repellent
• 1 pair of comfortable boots or the equivalent and 1 pair of sandles for around the camp
• Toiletries, including environment friendly/ biodegradable soap
• Binoculars, camera, field guide booklets, notebook etc. (optional)

NB: It is imperative that you wear a comfortable pair of hiking boots, which are well worn in. Bayticol spray (from your pharmacy) is recommended as ticks can be a problem at certain times of the year. Zululand winters are cold, with temperatures dropping significantly at night, whilst the summer temperatures can rise fairly high by midday, and rain can be a factor.

Catering

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will supply all equipment and provide all meals. You may bring your own equipment as long as it blends into the bush environment. You may bring you own additional snacks and drinks should you feel the necessity.

Alcoholic Drinks

A little alcohol may be brought into the wilderness area, however no excessive drinking will be allowed for reasons of safety, and to avoid detracting from the wilderness ethic, which involves quietly blending in with the environment. A good guideline is to keep within the legal alcohol limit for driving a vehicle. Should trailists insist on excessive drinking, the walks will proceed no further than one kilometre from the base camp or wilderness camp, depending on the trail. In order to maintain the wilderness ethic and character, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife wilderness trail facilities remain as simple as possible. Remember that you will have to carry all your alcohol for two days!

Giants Cup Trail Day 1: Sani Pass to Pholela Hut- Cobham Section - 13,3 km, 5 hours, (6 hours with stops)

The Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail is well demarcated with route markers - a white footprint (180 x 70 mm in size) placed on trees, rocks or poles. The trail follows the direction of the front of the foot. Numbers in the footprint indicate the number of kilometres hiked sincethe start of that day’s section of the trail. Two footprints indicate a coming change in direction of the trail, and the new direction to follow. Erosion barriers have been placed across the trail in many places along the route to channel water away from the paths. These erosion barriers are often hidden under grassy tufts, so please take care not to trip over them.

The trail starts in the parking lot at the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Makhakhe Field Ranger outpost 5,6 km past the Sani Pass Hotel. From the outpost, proceed about 500 m up the Sani Pass road. There is a Giant’s Cup Trail sign on the left of the road, and this marks the starting point. From the 3.7 km mark there is a good view onto the Giant’s Cup – the feature from which the trail takes its name. The Giant’s Cup itself lies in a saddle between the twin Hodgsons Peaks in the High Drakensberg.

A short distance further the trail drops into the Gxalingenwa valley with the Ndlovini Hill (2 202 m) on the opposite side. In the narrow boulder-strewn valley lies the Ngenwa Pool at 4,5 km, a small natural pool on the Gxalingenwa Stream. This is an ideal spot for a refreshing swim. There are more pools a short distance upstream. The water in the Gxalingenwa Stream is drinkable, as is most water in the higher reaches of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. Please observe basic hygiene in order to keep the water pure. Relieve yourself well away from the water’s edge.

Cross the pool via the wooden bridge and continue to follow the white footprint trail markers. On the other side of the pool the trail continues left along the Ndlovini hill. A 300 m climb takes you to a cave amongst boulders and trees that hide a large open area through which the path passes. At the 5.6 km mark, the trail crosses a grassland rich in Watsonias that in spring look like an orange carpet.

From the 8,3 km point, the trail leads across a sandstone shelf at the far end of which you can see the Pholela Hut in the distance. On the valley floor the trail crosses a tributary and then the Trout Beck Stream at 10,5 km. One has to boulder hop or wade the Trout Beck several times.

Once at the Cobham campsite and Reception Office please remember to report your arrival and fill in the Mountain Rescue Register before continuing your hike. To get to the Pholela Hut simply follow the trail markers to the swing bridge at the 13 km mark. Follow the trail past the campsite and on to the hut, which is only about 500m from the office. The small shop at the office offers maps, postcards, curios, sweets and cool drinks, and basic foodstuffs.

Pholela Hut

The hut is an old farmhouse with 30 bunk beds in four rooms. Two of the rooms have built-in fireplaces. There is a toilet and bathroom with one basin and two showers; a second bathroom with a toilet and showers is accessed from outside the building. There is a covered braai area in front of the building

Day 2: Pholela Hut to Mzimkhulwana Hut, Garden Castle Section - 9 km: ± 2,5 hours. (±3,5 hours with stops)

From the Pholela Hut head diagonally left towards a horse paddock. A sign reading “Giant’s Cup 2nd Day” points towards the Pholela River. The path winds alongside the paddock and after 100 m the Giant’s Cup Trail, with its by now familiar white footprint markers, leads to the left up a slope away from the Pholela River. After 100m some stone steps lead to the left where the trail curves uphill away from the paddock and over rocky substrate. Here, one has a lovely view onto the Giant’s Cup, while a large part of the Sani Pass – Pholela Hut section of the trail is visible to the north.

After 3 km the trail crosses a plateau, heading towards Siphongweni Ridge (2151 m). To the left lie Tortoise Rocks, a group of large sandstone boulders. The vegetation becomes denser, typical fynbos dotted with proteas, Helichrysum bushes and Leucosidea trees (Ouhout). At the 7 km marker the trail winds through protea woodland. At 7,2 km the trail crosses a small stream, and 300 m further on lies the Mzimkhulwana hut accessed via a rustic bridge over the Mzimkhulwana River.

Mzimkhulwana Hut

The hut consists of five rooms next to each other with three bunk beds in each room. An open area between the rooms serves as the kitchen. A small hut further upstream offers toilets, cold-water showers and hand basins. You can sunbathe on the rocks above the hut or swim in the large pool on the Siphongweni River, a tributary of the Mzimkhulwana River, about 30 m downstream of the bridge. Since the distance covered in Day 2 is quite short, there is lots of time to explore the area around the hut, swim or simply relax and enjoy the solitude and quiet of the mountains.

Day three (5,5 hours - 12,2 km)

Pleasant vistas present themselves on the long climb towards the Little Bamboo Mountain, named after the indigenous bamboo found here. Blue cranes frequent the area around Crane Tarn and Scottish names such as Inverness and Stromness have been given to farms by early Scots settlers. The Killiecrankie pools tempt one to swim in the clear, fresh mountain water. The lovely old oak trees around Winterhoek Hut were probably planted at about the end of the nineteenth centuary.

Overnight at Winterhoek Hut in Garden Castle.

Day four (6 hours - 12,8 km)

Be sure to fill your water bottle as few streams flow along this section of the trail during the dry season. There is a steep climb up the slopes of Garden Castle, after which the trail is relatively level to Swiman Hut. Overnight at Swiman Hut in Garden Castle.

Day five (4 hours - 12 km)

From Swiman Hut the trail crosses into the wide Mzimude valley, climbs again towards the fire look-out post passing Langalibalele cave which has Bushmen paintings. Here again please do not deface/write, scratch, pour water on, or touch the paintings. Sleeping in Langalibalele cave is prohibited.

The Bushman's Nek Hut is on a short spur off the trail and can be by-passed by those not spending the night there. The trail ends at the parking area close to the Reserve entry point.

Day 3: Mzimkhulwana Hut to Winterhoek Hut, Garden Castle Section - 12,2 km: ±4 hours. (5 hours with stops)

From the Mzimkulwana Hut, hike back along the Siphongweni River without crossing it. The trail crosses a hanging bridge over the Mzimkhulwana River, then heads up Bamboo Mountain. After 3.5 km the path passes Crane Tarn, a small mountain lake where you may be lucky enough to see either crested or blue cranes. The two Bamboo Mountains are named after the endemic Berg Bamboo Thamnocalamus tessellatus that grows in the area.

From the ridge on Little Bamboo Mountain, one has a view lovely of Garden Castle (2 356 m) looming over a valley containing a great many homesteads. The Winterhoek Huts are at the foot of the peak under some oak trees. The trail meanders downhill on the other sideof Crane Tarn, leading through protea woodland and down to the Killicranckie Stream, so named by Scottish settlers, about 700 m below.

About 1 km on, there is a fork in the trail, the left fork leading to the Killiranckie Pool about 100 m below. The main pool has a small waterfall next to a huge boulder, and there are smaller pools close by. All are good swimming spots. The right hand fork is a continuation of the Giant’s Cup Trail. Upon reaching a stile you enter private land. The trail leads across a second stile, past some trout dams and a farmhouse, across another stile and the overflow from the trout dams another 100 m further on. Cross the track that leads to the farmhouse and follow the stream downhill, reaching the main tarred road from Underberg to the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel and the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Garden Castle Outpost where the fourth hut -the Swayiman Hut – of the Giant’s Cup Trail is located. Follow the road to the right for 1,7 km.

A short distance after crossing the river there is a “Castleburn Lake” sign and the familiar white footprints indicating that you need to head left over a small hill. On the other side of the hill, the trail leads through two more gates before you cross a stream below a small concrete dam and then reach Winterhoek Hut. Please properly close all gates behind you.

Winterhoek Hut

This hut complex consists of eight rondavels set amongst oak trees. Five of these have three bunk beds in each; one rondavel serves as a kitchen while another serves as the bathroom with cold-water showers. You may swim in the small pond above the dam.

Day 4: Winterhoek Hut To Swayiman Hut, Garden Castle Section - 12,8 km: ±4,5 hours (6 hours with stops)

On day 4, the trail winds along the slopes of Garden Castle and along the crest of a ridge stretching to the north, heading towards the escarpment. The trail passes through typical highland rich in wildflowers in spring and summer, and along Black Eagle Pass where you have a good view of the Drakensberg escarpment. It is advisable to carry extra water on this stretch.

The trail starts behind the rondavels and winds up a steep but short stretch rising 300 m, and that leads to Black Eagle Pass below the jagged peaks of Garden Castle (2 359 m). Keep an eye on the sky above, as this is the breeding and feeding range of both the Verreaux’s eagle (formerly the black eagle) and the bearded vulture. These majestic birds are often seen soaring amongst the peaks.

The trail winds across the plateau at a fairly constant height of 2 000 m, providing views of the Mlambonja and Mzimkulwana Rivers below on your right and the Mzimude River on the left. The trail winds through some protea woodlands after which you can see the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel amongst some pine trees in the valley to your right and a bit further ahead and on the left is the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Garden Castle Outpost and your destination - the Swayiman Hut. The trail leads above a small waterfall, and the Swayiman Hut is visible in the midst of the silvery looking trees of Garden Castle ahead. At a T-junction marked by a stone cairn, bear right for 1 km to the Swayiman Hut. If you hike the Swayiman’s Hut to Bushman’s Nek stretch the following day you will pass this same point, and will need to bear right to avoid backtracking towards the Winterhoek Hut!

Please remember to report your arrival at the Garden Castle office.

Swayiman Hut

This hut is an old forestry house that has electricity and hot showers. In this large house there are toilets and showers, a kitchen and a lounge with a fireplace as well as three bedrooms with four, four and six bunk beds respectively. The veranda offers a good view of Swayiman Peak (2 430 m).

Garden Castle Outpost

To reach the Garden Castle office follow the road leading to Swayiman Hut and turn left at the main road. Alternatively you can follow a narrow path - a short cut to the office leading from the left of the veranda. Keep left and when you reach the fenced houses, cross the access road and pass the houses on the left. Pass through a gate behind the fenced area and cross a bridge takes you over the Mashai River and to the office, where cold drinks, sweets, a few curios and basic foodstuffs are available. The road access enables you to finish your chosen part of the Giant’s Cup Trail here or to complete the Swayiman’s Hut/Garden Castle to Bushman’s Nek route as a one-day hike.

To reach the Garden Castle office follow the road leading to Swayiman Hut and turn left at the main road. Alternatively you can follow a narrow path - a short cut to the office leading from the left of the veranda. Keep left and when you reach the fenced houses, cross the access road and pass the houses on the left. Pass through a gate behind the fenced area and cross a bridge takes you over the Mashai River and to the office, where cold drinks, sweets, a few curios and basic foodstuffs are available. The road access enables you to finish your chosen part of the Giant’s Cup Trail here or to complete the Swayiman’s Hut/Garden Castle to Bushman’s Nek route as a one-day hike.

The Drakensberg Gardens Hotel offers very comfortable accommodation should you feel the need, and is about 3,5 km down the road to Garden Castle Outpost. You can take a short cut to the hotel by keeping right at the 9,5 km marker of the trail. There is also a small shop at the hotel. You are still expected to report your safe arrival and to complete any required Mountain Rescue formalities at the Garden Castle office even if you intend staying at the hotel.

Day walks from Swayiman Hut

Please enquire at the Garden Castle office for full details. There are several day walk and/or overnight options: The Monk via Sleeping Beauty Cave (sleeps 12); Engagement Cave (sleeps 2); or Cod’s Eye Caves (sleeps 4). It is necessary to book caves if you intend to overnight in them. Another option is the trail to the pools and Bushman’s Rock; or the path over Mashai Pass to Rhino Peak approximately 9 km (6 - 8 hours) via Pillar Cave (sleeps 12), and Mashai Shelter (sleeps 2).

Day 5: Swayiman Hut to Bushman’s Nek Hut, Garden Castle Section
12 km: ±4 hours (5 hours with stops)

Retrace the incoming route for 1 km to a stone cairn at which the trail forks. Take the right fork. The last stretch of the Giant’s Cup Trail leads up a ridge and down into the valley of the Mzimude River and to Langalibalele Peak with an old Forestry fire lookout tower overlooking the valley.

Several high peaks to help orientate you are: Mlambonja (3 309 m), Wilson’s Peak (3 276 m), Mashai (3 313 m), Mzimude (3 210 m), Walker’s Peak (3 306 m) and Devil’s Knuckles (3 028 m). At 4.8 km a secondary trail branches off the Giant’s Cup Trail, heading up towards Hidden Valley through which the Mzimude River flows.

After crossing the Mzimude River, keep right past the old fire-lookout on the ridge above you and head towards Langalibalele Peak and to the saddle to the right of the peak. From this saddle (10,4 km) there is a good view down the valley to the Bushman’s Nek Hotel. High up to the right you can see the Devil’s Knuckles in the High Drakensberg , these peaks lie at the northern end of the Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho. At 11,8 km you will reach a junction with a sign indicating Bushman’s Nek Hut to the right. The hut is about a ten-minute walk from there. The police station lies about 1 km along the track to the left. You can overnight at the Bushman’s Nek Trail Hut, drive back to Himeville or stay in the nearby Bushman’s Nek Hotel. Please remember to sign the Mountain Rescue Register at the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife office to show that you have completed the hike and are out of the mountains.

Bushman's Nek Hut

Bushman’s Nek Hut is similar to the Mzimkhulwana Hut having five rooms adjoining one another. The toilets and cold-water showers are located between the rooms. To reach the police station and parking lot follow a path below the hut. It’s a 15-minute walk Day walks from Bushman’s Nek - There are opportunities to do day walks and visit caves in this area, e.g. Lammergeier Cave via Ngwangwane River. You also have the opportunity to walk to Sehlabethebe Lodge, which is located in Sehlabethebe National Park in Lesotho via the Bushman’s Nek Pass. To do this you will need to complete passport formalities at the border posts of both South Africa and Lesotho.

Note: The Swayiman and Pholela huts may be booked independently, provided that a hiking party of 30 is not traversing the trail. These huts may only be booked a fortnight in advance. At least one adult must accompany each group of up to ten persons under the age of 18 and hikers must stay on the marked route in groups of not less than three persons. The receipt printed on the confirmed reservation advice form will serve as the official permit to undertake the hike and must be produced for inspection if required. Keep it in a safe, dry place.